Celadon Kundika with Inlaid Willow, Lotus, Reed, and Mandarin Duck Design

A Goryeo celadon kundika, 37.0 cm high and 8.9 cm across the foot. The kundika was a vessel used in the Buddhist rite of washing away every evil, a western form that reached Korea by way of China; it took its most refined shape in Goryeo. This is one of the masterpieces among them. On a clear, pale green jade glaze, willow, reeds, lotus and a pair of mandarin ducks are laid out like a painting, inlaid in white slip alone. A peony is inlaid on the front and the back of the neck. The spout, eight-sided and dignified, stands straight up above the neck. The mouth for filling sits neatly on one side of the rounded shoulder; it once had a lid, now lost. Early inlaid celadon is marked by very carefully prepared glaze and body and by the refinement of its clear jade glaze, and inlaid decoration on such a ground heightened the effect all the more. This kundika is early inlaid celadon of that kind, and very pure and refined in style.

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Where it is

Region

Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Designation

National Treasure · 국보